resolute to manifest the Master's spirit. At the same time, fearlessly and zealously spread the truth which you have learned; for that which you have heard in the closet you are bound to speak upon the housetops (Matt. x. 27). Error upon the point of baptism is at the bottom of many of the greatest delusions of the present day. Count it, therefore, no trifle to know the truth concerning baptism, but ever "be ready to give a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter iii. 15).

I have

The little book which is here presented to you, almost in its ancient form, was first printed in Holland more than 200 years ago, by a servant of the Lord who was in exile for the faith. In a few words it contains many arguments. modernized its language, and somewhat altered it, to make the author's sense yet more plain to the reader; and I have added a little here and there to complete the subject, and now I send it forth with the earnest prayer that the Spirit of truth may set his seal upon it, by guiding many believers into the right path in the matter upon which it treats.

Not for the love of controversy, nor with the view of stirring up angry spirits, but from the love of Him who said, "Thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness," this little book is commended to your careful perusal by

Your friend in Christ Jesus,

C. H. SPURGEON.

W

HEN thou by reading goest to search out the mind of God, let thy Cry be, Lord, anoint mine eyes with eyesalve, that I may see; and if it hath been the day of God's Power with thy soul, I fear not but thou wilt bid Truth welcome, in whatever dress it comes; and think more upon what is comprized in the Letter, than be affrighted at the poor Clothing of the Messenger; especially, knowing that it comes from one whose name is "The great God." Therefore in handling this Truth, viz. Believers' Baptism, as it was practised by Christ and the Primitive Churches, my great Request to thee, is, That thou wilt read what is said without prejudice.

And whatever thou findest according to Truth, receive it as that which is more precious than thy Life, and judge of it according to the Holy Scriptures; for when all is said that can be, the Holy Scriptures must be Judge in all Controversies of Religion.

As Christ is the foundation upon which whoever buildeth, shall never be confounded, I Cor. 2. II, I shall therefore first make a few Observations concerning our Lord Jesus Christ's being baptized; and herein I would have you take careful note how exact the Holy Scriptures are to set down the Circumstances of his Baptism, that we might not lack an Exact Pattern, and might the more easily attain to the Happiness of those concerning whom it is written, "These are they that follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth."

CHAP. I.

Christ was Baptized in the River of Jordan.

ONCERNING the Baptism of Jesus
Christ you may read it at large,

in Matt. 3. 13 to 17. "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Fordan unto John to be baptized of him." Every word hath Emphasis. (Then)-before he entered upon his public Ministry, as you see in Matt. 4. 17. "From that time Jesus began to Preach." (Cometh)— he might have commanded John to have attended him; but in token of his subjection he cometh. (From Galilee)-many Miles, and 'tis likely on foot; every step we take for God is acceptable, and one day shall have a Glorious Reward. (To Jordan)-where there was a River, where Thousands had been Baptized, for it was a suitable place for John to dip Christ in, as will be seen hereafter.

Now I shall take notice of eight things concerning the Baptism of Christ.

First, Concerning his Age, 'tis said, Jesus being Baptized, Luke 3. 21, began to be about thirty years of Age, ver. 23; here you see that Christ himself was baptized at Grown Years. If any might be baptized in Infancy, why not Christ? Christians, be not ashamed, your Captain is gone before you, he was Thirty years old when Baptized. Christ is not ashamed to call you Brethren, Heb. 2. 11.

Secondly, Another thing to be observed in the Baptism of Christ, is the Administrator of this holy Ordinance, John, who confesseth of himself that he was not worthy to unloose the latches of his shoes, Mark, 1. 7. Now if Christ would receive Baptism from such an unworthy Instrument never think slightingly of the Ordinance, because of the unworthiness of the administrators, let your eye be on Christ your Example.

Thirdly, Note the Repulse, John forbade him, Matt. 3. 14. Difficulty in duty must be no excuse; we must take no denial in following God. Strive to enter in at the strait gate, Matt. 7. 13.

Fourthly, Note, John's Argument, Matt. 3. 14. I have need to be baptized of thee, and